Few hobbies are as enjoyable and artistically challenging as screen printing.
Screen printing uses a screen, frame, stencil and inks in order to print an image onto an item such as a piece of paper, shirt, or tote bag.
For those with a do-it-yourself streak or for those who want to find a way to mass produce their wears themselves, screen printing is the right medium for the job.
Screen Printing Tools The basic materials necessary for screen printing are: · Aluminum or wooden frame · Fabric mesh - the screen in screen printing.
The tighter the mesh, the more detail will show up on the print.
· Stencil made of film positive (a transparent material like vellum also works) · Bottle of emulsion fluid · Bottle of sensitizer fluid · Piece of glass to fit in the frame · Black cloth · Lamp (250 watt photo bulb is recommended) · Garden hose, sink, or access to some type of water supply · Gloves (keep emulsion off hands - it burns) · Art squeegee · Screen printing ink (fabric ink or paper ink, depending on the material) · T-shirt, embroidery, tote bag, cardstock, or any other flat material to be used for printing · Piece of cardboard to put inside the t-shirt, sweatshirt, etc.
· Clothes that can get really dirty as you prepare your project A Note On Stencils A good stencil can mean the difference between a great design and a terrible design.
Remember to use images with large areas of contrast, as they will show up on the t-shirt or tote bag better.
Stencils can be purchased or created on your own using a variety of processes.
If you choose to make your own stencil, remember to burn or photocopy the image onto a transparent material, such as vellum or film positive.
Creating the Screen Print Follow these steps to fashion your own creation: 1.
Secure the screen to the frame.
2.
Create the stencil.
3.
Mix the emulsion and sensitizer and apply to both sides of the mesh, using the art squeegee to even out the emulsion.
Emulsion is sensitive to light, so this step needs to be done in a dark room in order for the emulsion to dry without hardening.
4.
Once the emulsion is dry (usually in about two hours), place one side on the black cloth.
5.
Place the stencil on top of the frame and the glass on top of the stencil.
6.
Expose one side of the screen to a light source.
This can either be done outside, or inside using lamp above the glass.
If exposing the screen outdoors, make sure to keep the screen away from anything that will cast a shadow.
7.
Once the emulsion dries (about 15 to 20 minutes) remove the stencil and glass.
8.
Rinse off the emulsion and allow the screen to dry.
9.
Put the piece of cardboard inside the t-shirt or tote bag to prevent the ink from bleeding through.
10.
Place the screen on the material being printed.
11.
Squeegee the ink onto the screen.
12.
Lift the screen and voila! A great image printed on the material.
If you are printing using multiple colors, rinse off the screen and allow the material to dry before adding another color ink and reprinting.
When you are finished, clean the screen and the frame for reuse next time.
Screen printing embroidery, t-shirts, or cards is a great way to create something truly unique, whether for yourself or family and friends.
Enjoy the process.